Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember

back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of movement

Beauty. She’s looking better than she

Her father…

Christ…

face has lost that sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed with the palest of

Babe…

cheekbones with a fingertip. Her lids

I see Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed, wilful, frustrating,

to touch me,

her face, “How are

watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine now.

think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling

dropping her gaze, she bobs

get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you?

Her voice is a whisper. “Is

It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help however I

curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder. “I missed

missed you too. We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve

forehead creases. “You mean you

in it with us? He might be my good friend, but not that

doorway comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James

upright. “God, I’m starving. Did you bring

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago